In the state of Connecticut, in the Mount Carmel section of the town of Hamden, lies Sleeping Giant State Park. From the air and heading up north by car on I-91 from New Haven, you can see that sleeping giant which as legend has it is Hobbomock. Hobbomock fell into a deep sleep, you’ll have to find out why in the book. Marchi was told about the legend surrounding that mountainous formation that is Mount Carmel in Hamden years ago and decided to do his own interpretation in a children’s book. We chatted at R. J. Julia Booksellers, in Madison, Connecticut where his book is on the shelf. Marchi told me he feels strongly about supporting independent book stores. This store in Madison has been rated as one of the best in the country. If you haven’t been there yet, hold the phone and get in the car for a real treat.

Marchi has written a tale that tells the reader how important it is to be connected to the earth and what can happen if we don’t treat it well. Marchi paired with Old Lyme, Connecticut illustrator, Jesse Bonelliwho has done a beautiful job of bringing Marchi’s words to life. At the time of the illustrations, Bonelli was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. The illustrations are oil paintings that he did as an independent study on top of his school work. Think about the work and the talent involved in the photos in this book.

Marchi will tell you he hopes the book finds its way to a movie maker, he said he thought about that as he was writing it, how it might come to life on the silver screen. For now, he is doing a lot of driving around trying to get the book in as many places as will take it. This is a delightful children’s tale which you will see for yourself when you read it.

I used to live in Mount Carmel, and trekked to the top of it with my children when they were little. I think it would be a delightful adventure if you read this book to a child and then go there, make a day of it. This would be one of those memories a child will have forever. Oh, and if you do that, since you’ll walking on the sleeping giant that is Hobbomock, keep your voices down, you wouldn’t want this stone mountain to awake while you’re there.

Enjoy the interview below with Marchi, you will see how passionate he is about the tale that has been brought to the world.

I have known Jay for many years and am not surprised that his book reflects the both the insight and caring he has for nature and the world around him. His talent is the final ingredient needed to bring this story to life.